Treg Bernt — Senator Taves (misidentified in the transcript as Treg Bernt) appears in a brief procedural sequence: first asking Senator Harris whether the bill is anti-competition, then seconding a motion related to RS33647B, and then seconding the introduction of RS 33616. These mentions collectively capture his participation in the committee’s procedural handling of related legislative items.
Captain Juanita Garcia — Identified as the subject of the intelligence briefing to be heard in executive session.
Ben Adams — Voted aye during the roll call.
Ben Adams — Reviewed the March 2, 2026 minutes and moved approval.
Ben Adams — His motion to approve the March 2, 2026 minutes was recognized.
Ben Adams — Seconded the motion to approve the March 4, 2026 minutes.
Ben Adams — Asked how endowment payouts are distributed and whether they are based on pupil counts.
Ben Adams — Offered a brief comment thanking Mr. Donaldson and encouraging continued service on the Endowment Board.
Ben Adams — Ben Adams is identified as the seconder of the motion.
Mark Harris — Voted aye during the roll call.
Mark Harris — Senator Harris moved to approve the February 27, 2026 minutes, and the motion was recognized.
Mark Harris — Called on to make a motion regarding Shelly Enderud's reappointment.
Mark Harris — Moved to send Shelly Enderud's reappointment to the Senate floor with a recommendation of confirmation.
Mark Harris — Motion was attributed to him.
Mark Harris — Senator Harris is referenced as someone the chair will return to later.
Mark Harris — Mark Harris introduces RS 33647, the "pelican brief," explaining that the memorial addresses pelicans under federal law and seeks permission to curtail some pelicans because they are consuming stocked fish. He cites evidence such as electronic fish tags found in pelican feces and says Idaho Fish and Game has reviewed the proposal without concerns. In response to questions, he describes the issue as a conflict between fishermen, Fish and Game, and pelicans eating fish intended for stocking.
Robert Donaldson — His reappointment was introduced and the committee attempted to connect with him virtually.
Mr. Donaldson — Committee attempted to reach him and noted he may be muted.
Robert M. Donaldson — Robert M. Donaldson introduced himself as a former Lewiston School District administrator and superintendent with 32 years of service. He explained that his work made him familiar with the school bond guarantee program and that, as a public school official, he serves on the Endowment Fund Investment Board representing beneficiaries of annual distributions. He noted that about $63 million was distributed to public schools in the last fiscal year, believed the distribution is likely based on pupil counts, and emphasized that public schools greatly appreciate the funding. He also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve, said he has learned a great deal on the board, and hoped to continue for another term.
James Ruchti — Not mentioned in this section.
James Ruchti — He asks whether the bill applies to school boards and references school district hiring restrictions.
James Ruchti — The witness responds to Senator Ruchti's question about school boards.
James Ruchti — Senator Denhartog is identified in the transcript as asking for a question after the closing comments.
James Ruchti — States support for the motion but expresses skepticism that the proposed solution will achieve its goal.
Irving Lippman — Irving Lippman was introduced for gubernatorial reappointment to the Idaho Endowment Fund Investment Board. He identified himself as a current board member seeking another term, described his financial career at Boise Cascade where he retired as treasurer overseeing retirement fund investments, and said he values the opportunity to contribute alongside the board and staff. In response to a question about the biggest challenge, he warned that after a long bull market the board should be prepared for a more volatile period and positioned to ride through the next choppy market.
Lori Hartog — Likely the senator who seconded the motion, though the transcript is unclear.
Lori Hartog — Senator Hartog is referenced as someone the chair will return to later; transcription appears to render the name as 'Denhardtog.'
Lori Hartog — Senator Lori Den Hartog is identified on the record and participates in a brief procedural sequence involving motions to print or introduce Senate print resolutions, including RS 33647 and RS 33616, with the motions seconded and moved forward for consideration.
Lance Sayers — Lance Sayers is welcomed by the committee, introduces himself as representing the Association of Idaho Cities, and testifies in strong support of the employment of relatives bill, referencing staffing concerns in St. Anthony.
Mr. Powell — The chair notes that Mr. Powell could not be connected because of technical issues and says they may try to return to him later, then later apologizes again that Mr. Powell and Mr. Berlin still cannot be connected.
Donald Powell — Identified as the Mayor of St. Anthony and the person who brought the issue to the senator's attention.
Mr. Berlin — Mr. Berlin was unable to connect for remote testimony, but he was referenced as someone who would have testified about the Roberts water issues, including that the water had become undrinkable.
Brandon Shippy — Representative Green introduced the bill discussion by identifying himself as the member from District 18 and explaining the urgency of the legislation in response to recent suicides and sextortion-related harms. He then yielded his time and directed attention to Representative Jaron Crane and Deputy Attorney General Nye as additional presenters. Representative Jaron Crane introduced himself as the member from District 12 in Nampa, explained how he became aware of the issue, and then thanked the chair before yielding time to Jeff Nye.
Jeff Nye — Introduced himself as chief of the criminal law division in the Idaho Office of the Attorney General.
Mr. Nye — The chair asked for questions for Mr. Nye, and none were raised.
Captain Garcia — Captain Garcia is identified as the witness who will address any questions specific to the Iran conflict.
Major Moreno — The chair turns the discussion over to Major Moreno, who is expected to provide insight into the intelligence side of the matter during executive session.
Treg Bernt — During the roll call, Treg Bernt is called out twice, with the transcript showing slight variations ('Senator Burnt?' and 'Senator Bernt?'), indicating the same member being identified in the attendance check.
Treg Bernt — Senator Burnt moved to approve the March 4, 2026 minutes, and the motion was recognized with a second from Senator Adams.
Treg Bernt — Senator Treg Bernt is introduced as the sponsor of the bill and participates in committee discussion about its provisions, including that it does not explicitly address school boards and how it may affect staffing in small communities. After questions and closing remarks, he moves to send House Bill 686 to the floor with a do pass recommendation, and the chair thanks him at the end of the exchange.
Colonel D. Ray Gunter — Colonel D. Ray Gunter is introduced to deliver the briefing and then begins his remarks.
Jim Guthrie — The witness opens by greeting Chairman Guthrie and the members of the Senate State Affairs Committee.
Jim Guthrie — Jim Guthrie, acting as chairman, moved for the committee to enter executive session, presided over the vote, and then announced that the motion carried.
Colonel — Thanked the committee and indicated Major Moreno would provide insight during executive session.